The newest microbrew to be released by North Peak Brewing Company in Traverse City pays tribute to the region’s rich history as the “Cherry Capital of the World.” Archangel Summer Wheat started flowing through taps around Michigan and was released in six-pack retro-style stubbie bottles last month.

Archangel is sure to please both locals and summer visitors to Michigan. Each batch—which produces 50 BBLs of beer—is crafted with 2500 pounds of locally grown tart cherries, including a bulk from Kroupa Farms on Old Mission Peninsula. It is expected that as many 18,000 pounds of tart cherries will be incorporated into the production of Archangel throughout the summer.

“It’s just obvious that we should be making this beer,” says Brewmaster Mike Hall. “We’re proud to be able to work with local farmers to blend their fruits into the brewing process. The result is Archangel—a refreshing summer beer that captures the essence of Michigan summer.”

Archangel, a solid American wheat, has a classic nose that transitions to a faint cherry aroma complimenting its rich amber gold hue. As this well-balanced and deceptively light-bodied (5.0% alc by vol) wheat beer travels across the tongue, the willamette and perle hops hint at bitterness, followed by a crisp, clean wheat flavor that cuts to a subtle tart cherry finish. Asked to describe the flavor of Archangel, the most accurate response is: "it tastes like more.”

“Archangel, like all of the North Peak beer icons, is born out of Northern Lore,” says Greg Lobdell, who—along with Jon Carlson, Ron Jeffries and Mike Hall, are the managing partners of Northern United Brewing Company. “The name came to Mike, Jon and I while we were sitting on the beach along Grand Traverse Bay drinking the first test batch and watching the Broneah kite boarders. It is really a beautiful sport. We suspect the Archangel—who looks out for adventurers—is looking out for them when they are flying through the air and thus, the name came about.”

The North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also encompasses the Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales craft beer brands, as well as the soon-to-be-released Civilized line of spirits. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. All of the beers and spirits under these brands are produced at either the new 5600-square-foot facility on Old Mission Peninsula adjacent to Mission Table (former Bowers Harbor Inn) restaurant or at the original Jolly Pumpkin facility in Dexter. Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.